Team Completes Comprehensive Validation of HMC-Tagana-an Nickel Project’s 2025 EPEP Performance 

Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to responsible mining and environmental stewardship, the Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT) convened from January 27 to 30, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive validation of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP) implementation of Hinatuan Mining Corporation – Tagana-an Nickel Project (HMC-TNP). 

The four-day activity focused on evaluating the project’s EPEP accomplishments for the third and fourth quarters of 2025, including a thorough assessment of the company’s overall environmental performance and compliance initiatives for the entire year. 

Throughout the validation process, the MMT conducted extensive field inspections across key operational and environmental management areas within the project site. These included mining operation zones, waste management facilities, reforestation and rehabilitation sites, and water quality monitoring stations strategically located within the project’s coverage area. 

The team carefully verified the implementation and effectiveness of environmental protection measures designed to minimize ecological impacts, ensure regulatory compliance, protect biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and promote environmental sustainability in neighboring communities. The validation also highlighted the company’s continuing efforts to integrate environmental responsibility into its operational framework while maintaining alignment with national and local environmental standards. 

The activity fostered meaningful collaboration and active engagement among HMC-TNP management and staff, government agencies, civil society organization, and local stakeholders. The MMT was represented by the following member agencies and organizations: 

1. Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region XIII – Chairperson 

2. Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region XIII – Co-Chairperson 

3. DENR CENRO/CDD – Member 

4. DENR PENRO – Member 

5. DENR CENRO – Member 

6. Department of Health (DOH) – Member 

7. REACH Foundation – Member 

8. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish Church – Member 

9. MENRO-Tagana-an – Member 

10. BLGU-Talavera – Member 

The successful conduct of the validation underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach in advancing responsible and sustainable mining practices. By working collectively, the MMT and HMC-TNP reaffirm their shared commitment to ensuring that economic development progresses hand in hand with environmental protection, community welfare, and long-term ecological sustainability. 

As environmental challenges continue to evolve, sustained implementation of the EPEP remains essential in safeguarding natural resources and creating lasting positive impacts for present and future generations.